Elbert served as the backup quarterback on Wahlert’s state title team of 2024 before stepping in as the starter last fall. The junior led the team back to the UNI-Dome with a season that saw him complete 63.3 percent of his passes for 1,573 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding 702 yards (5.9 YPC) and 13 scores on the ground. Elbert also averaged 41.7 yards on 26 punts. Also a college prospect in baseball, Elbert looked like an interesting prospect during an in-person scout last year. There’s pocket presence, a strong arm and mobility adding to the difficultly in defending him. Elbert has a chance to build on his outstanding 11th-grade season, which is bad news for Golden Eagle opponents in 2026.

Taking over as the starting QB following the Golden Eagles’ perfect campaign in 2024, JP Elbert JP Elbert 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Wahlert Catholic | 2027 State IA had some growing pains, but proved to be an effective leader for their offense, guiding Wahlert Catholic all the way to the state semifinal round. Elbert completed over 63% of his passes for 1573 yards, 12 TDs, and 8 INTs while also leading the team with 702 rushing yards (5.9 YPC) and 13 TDs. Elbert flashed with a strong arm, flashing with some great deep balls with enough height and arc to pass over the defender’s heads and into his receiver’s arms in stride. Leading a loaded backfield with over 2500+ total rushing yards, Elbert was effective running the ball, flashing solid agility and sneaky speed capable of breaking outside the perimeter and creating big plays with his legs. The Golden Eagles should remain to be a prime contender in the 3A conference with Elbert returning under Center in 2026.

After serving as the backup on last year’s undefeated state championship team, Elbert took over the controls of the 2025 Golden Eagle offense. The title team was hit hard by graduation losses, and the junior signal caller was a key performer in getting Wahlert Catholic back to The Dome. In the semifinals against a stringy Bishop Heelan defense, Elbert kept his team in the game with his dual threat ability. He threw for 133 yards, adding a team-high 98 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Elbert is a good athlete with quickness and speed. A baseball player with the strong arm, it makes sense to keep developing as a quarterback. But his skill set and abilities could work at other positions on the next level.

Elbert added a significant accomplishment to his prep football resume last season. The sophomore backup completed 8-of-12 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown during Wahlert’s state championship game win against Humboldt. Elbert shared time behind center with a senior, so he should have a line on the starting job in 2025. We can witness his scoring pass in the title game in the first clip on his sophomore highlight video. The second play shows him completing a deep ball after taking a shot just before releasing a pass. Elbert stands out for his strong arm and the ease with he gets the ball down the field.